On the Hill: Government Shutdown Continues

Today marks the first full week of the government shutdown. While the Senate continues to vote on the House-passed continuing resolution bill, there are no clear indications that Senate Democrats will yield the necessary votes to pass the GOP funding measure.

The major sticking point for Democrats is extending the enhanced advance premium tax credits (EPTCs), which were first authorized in the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. Without an extension there will be significant premium increases for people receiving coverage through the marketplace next year. Congressional Republican leadership has maintained that they're open to talks, but have said they won't negotiate during the shutdown.

America's Essential Hospitals continues to connect with lawmakers and their staff to highlight the shutdown's impact to essential hospitals, especially Medicaid DSH cuts, the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) waiver, and Medicare coverage for telehealth.

See here for more information on the contingency plans of various agencies.

Committee Activity This Week

The Senate is in session this week, while the House is out.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a full committee hearing on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 10 am ET, titled, "AI's Potential to Support Patients, Workers, Children, and Families."

Join the Federal Action Network Today!

Stay connected to the latest from Washington. Join our Federal Action Network (FAN) - free for members - and gain exclusive access to advocacy expertise and updates.